Natural Resources Canada
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December 14, 1998
SMARTDRIVER PROGRAM FOR HEAVY VEHICLES, THE LATEST IN
FUEL-EFFICIENCY FOR DRIVERS
OTTAWA — Professional truck drivers will soon learn to save
fuel and money with the release of SmartDriver for Heavy Vehicles, a
driver education module to promote fuel-efficient driving techniques.
SmartDriver, an information package aimed at professional drivers who operate
heavy commercial vehicles, was introduced today by Ralph Goodale, Minister of
Natural Resources Canada.
"SmartDriver for Heavy Vehicles gives fleet owners and drivers
the opportunity to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the cost of doing
business," said Minister Goodale. "Using an instructor guide, a
video, an interactive card game and the other materials provided, drivers will
learn how to cut back on fuel consumption and save money. This new program will
also help protect the environment by decreasing both greenhouse gas emissions
and air pollution."
Developed in consultation with the transportation industry, SmartDriver is
available at no cost to certified training schools and driver trainers. This
program will enable Canadian fleet owners, operators and drivers to improve
driving skills, reduce fuel consumption and related costs and reduce emissions
from their vehicle operations.
"Students who graduate from the SmartDriver Training will have a
distinct advantage over other drivers," says Kim Richardson, President of
the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO). "Their training
in fuel efficiency, proper shifting techniques and the environmental impact of
fuel use will make them more valuable employees." SmartDriver is part of
the FleetSmart Program run by the Office of Energy Efficiency to encourage
cost-effective energy efficiency improvements, reductions in fuel use and
emissions in fleet operations.
Heavy vehicles like tractor-trailers and dump trucks produce about five
percent of the greenhouse gases emitted in Canada. Diesel and gasoline engines
produce about 2.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, for every
litre of fuel used. Fuel-efficient driving is key in the emissions reductions
required to reach Canada's Kyoto commitments.
"The Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council (CTHRC) is pleased to
participate in NRCan's FleetSmart Program," said Sam Barone, President of
the CTHRC. "The SmartDriver module in the CTHRC's Skills Upgrading Series
of training modules for experienced drivers is a natural fit."
CTHRC's research shows that today's truck drivers want continuing
professional development and are very interested in keeping up with the rapid
changes in technology, particularly as it relates to the environment and
effective fuel management.
For more information regarding SmartDriver or if you wish to order your copy
of SmartDriver contact:
Madeleine Middleton
FleetSmart Program
(613)
947-8381
By Fax (613) 952-8169
or by e-mail at fleet.smart@nrcan.gc.ca
For more information, contact:
John Embury
Press Secretary
Natural
Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007
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